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Custom Inserts: Definition, Material, Types, and Printing Methods

Custom Inserts

Custom inserts are tailored packaging solutions designed to securely hold, protect, and organize products during transit while enhancing their presentation. Made from eco-friendly materials like cardboard, corrugated fiberboard, foam, and molded pulp, these inserts are customized to fit product dimensions precisely, ensuring minimal movement and damage. With options ranging from cardboard partitions and foam cushioning to void fillers like bubble wrap, custom inserts cater to diverse packaging needs while promoting sustainability and cost efficiency. Custom printed inserts elevate brand identity with versatile printing techniques such as embossing, foil stamping, and UV varnishing, offering a visually striking unboxing experience. Businesses can leverage these durable, customizable, and eco-conscious solutions to improve product safety, enhance branding, and align with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly packaging.

What are custom inserts?

Custom inserts are made up of different materials like cardboard, foam inserts, or molded pulp, used to organize and fit the products inside with added protection. These inserts hold the items in place securely and ensure reduced movements and damage during shipping and transportation.Custom box inserts are made from durable and eco-friendly materials like cardboard, corrugated fiberboard, foam inserts, and void filling, and come in the desired shape and size befitting the products securely. These inserts can also be printed using different printing approaches like spot UV, stamp foiling, embossing, and debossing in order to enhance the product presentation.You can customize product packaging inserts in different designs and materials to match your brand.

What materials are custom inserts made of?

Custom inserts are made from a wide range of durable and sustainable materials to meet different needs, ensuring both functionality and eco-friendliness. These materials include cardboard, paperboard, corrugated fiberboard, plastic, and foam. Each material offers unique properties suited for specific packaging requirements.Cardboard is a lightweight, eco-friendly, and cost-effective option, making it an ideal choice for general-purpose packaging. Corrugated fiberboard and foam inserts are particularly suitable for protective storage and packaging of luxury products, ensuring safety during transit with added cushioning and support.Inserts made of these materials can be further customized to align with brand identity and specific product dimensions, enhancing both functionality and presentation.

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Lotion Labels

Custom Printed Inserts

Lotion Labels

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What are the different types of custom inserts based on materials?

Custom inserts are categorized based on the material used, each tailored to provide optimum protection and presentation. Below are the main types:

  • Cardboard inserts
  • Corrugated fiberboard inserts
  • Foam inserts
  • Void filling inserts

Cardboard inserts

Cardboard inserts are versatile and eco-friendly, offering lightweight yet durable support for products. With die-cut designs, these inserts ensure products remain immovable during shipping. They are commonly used for cosmetics, food, and retail products.These inserts can be customized with various printing and finishing techniques, enhancing brand presentation. Additionally, cardboard paper inserts can serve promotional purposes by incorporating elements like discount cards, greeting cards, or thank-you notes within the packaging.Customization options include:

  • Fence partitions: Dividers that separate items within packaging, preventing movement or mixing.
  • Punching inserts: Die-cut designs tailored to fit specific products, offering extra protection for fragile items.

Corrugated inserts

Corrugated inserts are crafted from corrugated fiberboard, providing durable and recyclable protection for heavier or fragile items. Their sturdy construction ensures safe transport while maintaining sustainability.Customization options for corrugated inserts include:

  • Fence partitions: Designed with flute material to protect multiple items within a single package.
  • Punching inserts: Custom-designed inserts to cradle delicate or bulkier products securely.

Foam inserts

Foam inserts are specifically designed to protect fragile and delicate products during shipping by minimizing movement and providing cushioning. These are made from materials like polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and polystyrene (EPS), ensuring tailored protection for various product shapes.Foam inserts are available in several types, including:

  • PE and PU foam: Lightweight and durable options that protect items during transit.
  • EVA foam: Ideal for luxury products, offering resistance to scratches, moisture, and heat.
  • Anti-static foam: Specifically designed for electronic items, preventing electrostatic damage.
  • Charcoal foam: Sleek, high-density foam that protects against impact and vibration.

Void filling inserts

Void filling inserts are used to fill empty spaces within packaging, ensuring products remain secure and protected from damage. Common void fill materials include:

  • Wrap fills: Affordable paper wraps that stabilize products within boxes.
  • Bubble wrap: Shock-resistant material ideal for fragile items like electronics or glassware.
  • Shredded paper: Eco-friendly and aesthetic material for gift packaging.
  • Packing peanuts: Foam-based fills designed to cushion and stabilize fragile products.

What printing methods can be used for custom inserts?

Printing methods for custom inserts enhance both the visual appeal and functional branding of the packaging. Below are the most commonly used techniques:

  • Digital printing: Offers precise and high-quality results for smaller runs, with vibrant color reproduction.
  • Flexographic printing: Ideal for large-scale production, using flexible relief plates for quick and cost-effective printing.
  • Lithography: Provides detailed and smooth printing, suitable for premium inserts with intricate designs.
  • Screen printing: Perfect for bold, high-opacity designs, especially on textured or uneven surfaces.
  • UV varnishing: Adds a glossy, protective coating that enhances colors and resists wear.
  • Foil printing: Creates metallic effects for luxury branding and elegant designs.
  • Inkjet printing: Suitable for detailed, short-run designs with vibrant colors and sharp text.
  • Offset lithography: Highly efficient for large-scale, consistent, and high-resolution prints.
  • Stamp foiling: Adds a luxurious touch with metallic or holographic finishes.
  • Laser printing: Ideal for precision work, particularly for intricate text and designs.
  • Letterpress printing: Offers a tactile, engraved effect for minimalist and vintage branding styles.
  • 3D printing: Enables the creation of unique, customized inserts with a focus on innovation and precision.

Each of these methods provides distinct advantages based on design requirements, production volume, and budget considerations. Businesses can combine techniques, such as foil printing with embossing, to create striking packaging that aligns with brand identity.

Organize and protect products with durable custom inserts

Custom inserts play a dual role in product packaging: they organize items efficiently while offering protection during transit. These inserts are tailored to fit product dimensions precisely, ensuring that items remain immobile and shielded from external impacts. Beyond protection, custom inserts improve presentation by arranging products in a visually appealing manner, often enhancing the unboxing experience. Inserts can also include brand messaging, such as thank-you notes or promotional content, further connecting with customers.

Encourage sustainability with our eco-friendly custom inserts

Sustainability is a growing concern in modern business, and custom inserts made from recyclable and biodegradable materials align with eco-conscious practices. Options like cardboard, molded pulp, and corrugated fiberboard are not only durable but also environmentally friendly, reducing carbon footprints. By choosing eco-friendly custom inserts, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and contributing to long-term ecological preservation.

Save money with our affordable custom inserts

Cost efficiency is a critical factor in packaging decisions. Custom inserts offer a balance between affordability and quality, with options for bulk orders that reduce per-unit costs. Businesses can order quantities ranging from 100 to 100,000 inserts to meet their specific needs. Despite their competitive pricing, these inserts maintain high standards of durability and customization, making them an excellent investment for businesses aiming to enhance product protection and presentation without exceeding budgets.

Why choose PackHit for custom inserts?

Choose PackHit for custom inserts with a complete range of design and customization options in order to meet all your product packaging needs without compromise.At PackHit, we provide you with the options to: 

  • Create custom inserts to enhance your brand presentation.
  • Select from our durable materials and designs for your custom inserts.
  • Choose our unique printing techniques to enhance your product packaging design.
  • Verify your order for custom inserts in product boxes with our 2D and 3D proofs.
  • Order your product inserts in bulk or in smaller quantities as needed.
  • Customize everything about your box inserts by filling out our convenient quotation form.

Deliver your products safely with PackHit’s custom inserts!

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